Frequently Asked Questions About The STP Model
1. What is the proper citation for using any STP or other mapedfund.org material in my own presentations or publications?
ANS: "This material is provided courtesy of Michael A. Perelman, Ph.D. and is based on the Sexual Tipping Point Model®, owned by and used with the permission of the MAP Education & Research Foundation (mapedfund.org).”
2. Can I obtain a copy of one of the STP videos shown on the mapedfund.org home page?
ANS: Click here to download a free copy of the video.
3. Can I obtain a .pdf of the mapedfund.org STP video so that I might study the slides more closely, or use them in my own presentation?
ANS: Click here for a free .pdf copy of the slides used in the making of the video.
4. How do I incorporate the STP model into a .ppt slide presentation for my own lectures?
ANS: A screenshot can be made of any image in the .pdf, which can then be imported into your own .ppt presentation.
5. Some colleagues have asked how the different symbols currently used by the STP model differ from those previously posted.
While the response is a lengthy one, for now, I will post the full answer given to them:
The main change in the most recent iterations is a substitution of numbered and lettered SLIDERS “O” placed in both ARMS of the SEXUAL BALANCE SCALE, that are also placed within an array or MATRIX of FACTORS that enable the model to display the various contributions that determine the etiology of a sexual disorder and how it might be treated. These SLIDERS replace the DIMMER switch concept previously used to express the continuous rather than dichotomous nature of how a factor(s) shifts between EXCITATION (+) AND INHIBITION (-).
It is believed by many graphic information specialists that an “O” sliding or moving across an AXIS allows for better symbolic representation of the dynamic change that FACTORS contribute to the STP from moment to moment. That O can also increase (+) or decrease (-) in size and change hue to show changes in the weighting of that FACTOR’S contribution to the STP. The O can be labeled M or P for Mental or Physical and numbered when placed within the ARMS of the SEXUAL BALANCE SCALE to allow coding and visualization of the relative contribution of the FACTORS that primarily are "moving the needle of the STP from moment to moment… whether the individual is sexually excited, at rest or inhibited.
Below are explanations for three other changes:
a. The word INTENSITY replaces the previously used … VALENCE… found in the top sentence over the RED to Blue ARC or continuum. This change in term is because the previously used term “valence” and POLARITY... are essentially synonyms. INTENSITY was chosen as an alternative adjective to better emphasize the weighting of the FACTORS. Using both POLARITY and INTENSITY displays the degree a factor contributes to EXCITATION OR INHIBITION.
b. There are two additions and a deletion to the descriptions that identify the AXES or FACTORS in the MATRIX where the SLIDERS O are placed. The labels MUSCULAR and VASCULAR have been added to the ANATOMIC AXIS. Why? The changes caused by disease are often anatomical, but given the frequency that cardiovascular disease and pelvic floor muscular disorders specifically contribute to the anatomical changes that result in sexual dysfunction make “calling them out” an improvement that makes coding easier and clearer.
In addition, the word SOCIAL has been deleted with only CULTURAL remaining on that AXIS. Why? Many colleagues felt that they would be confused if asked to choose whether a given contributing FACTOR was INTERPERSONAL AND RELATIONAL VS SOCIAL AND CULTURAL. It was determined that the deleting SOCIAL from the CULTURAL AXIS would make it easier to code the impact of religion, geography, zeitgeist, etc, on an individual . Obviously there is tremendous overlap in these factors, as is often the case for example, in differentiating thoughts from feelings. The DOTTED LINES connecting all the AXES within the MATRIX are also meant to convey that type of overlap.
c. Changes in the weighting of the FACTORS is difficult to visualize without the model being animated. I hope to do so at some future date. For now, it may be observed that some of the SLIDERS O are larger than others, symbolizing their disproportionate contribution to the underlying etiology of the Sexual Tipping Point for that person at that moment in time. As the size and POLARITY EXCITATION [+], INHIBITION [-]) of the SLIDERS O changes along their AXES, the STP needle will tip in that direction whether indicating greater EXCITATION or INHIBITION as a result. As the current image below is not animated yet, it is purposely shown at rest, or within a neutral range as the current FACTORS or SLIDERS are in SEXUAL BALANCE. In fact, the TWO PARALLEL VERTICAL DOTTED LINES on either side of the STP needle that is centered and pointing towards AT REST, symbolize a one-standard deviation range of neutral or what some might call a normal range of repose.
6. Dr. Perelman has written extensively about Delayed Ejaculation (DE) and its potential relationship to masturbation habits. He has noted that the same factors can also influence the development and maintenance of erectile dysfunction (ED) as well. Please provide a list of some questions one might ask as part of taking a “Masturbation Status” for oneself or a patient to better understand the nature of that potential interaction?
ANS. Many of the below questions were developed out of DE research, but they are equally applied to ED. The extent to which differences between "solo sex" and partnered sex are encountered at any age can of course be a function of the interaction of predetermined biology as well as the cognitive-behavioral factors implied by the below inquires.
1. Masturbation:
a. Frequency (range), latency of masturbation (range)
b. Style (pressure, speed, manual (which hand, both?), rubbing against something, etc.).
c. Cognitions during stimulation (focusing on sensations, erotic thought, porno use, judgmental self-awareness, etc.).
d. What is his degree of immersion with the above thoughts?
e. Does he always ejaculate during each experience?
f. Does he understand how to use his mind and body to “dial up or dial down” his level of arousal during masturbation?
2. Once he has experienced sex with partner(s)
a. Any difference in what his partner does for him versus what he does for himself to be able to erect, orgasm, etc.
b. Does he communicate with partner as to what is different and what he prefers, and how is this communication shared?
(Contrast with “a” and “b” above).
c. Cognitions during stimulation (focused on the sensations, erotic thought, porno use, judgmental self-awareness, etc.
d. What is his degree of immersion with the above cognitions? Contrast with above response to “d."
e. Does he only allow ejaculation (with whatever type of stimulation he prefers to achieve) with his partner if he has a DE diagnosis, or does he masturbate alone to “relieve himself.”
f. Does he understand how to use his mind and body to “dial up or dial down” his level of arousal during partnered sex?